Heartworm In Pets

Dear Liz;

A few weeks ago you were talking about a dog your rescue was helping who had heartworm. Can you please explain what heartworm is?

Signed, Curious in Canton

Dear Curious:

Heartworm is a blood parasite (worm) that lives in the heart of dogs and cats and can be deadly if not treated.

The parasite enters the body via a mosquito bite. The mosquito introduces the filaria into the animal’s blood stream. From there the filaria travel to the heart of the animal and there they start to develop. As the filaria grow, they start to take up more and more space, literally choking off the blood supply through the heart. If left untreated, the heartworm, which actually looks like spaghetti, will kill the pet.

Now, there are tests to see if your pet has been exposed but it is much easier to tell in the dog than it is in the cat. The tests for cats are generally not reliable enough and there is no treatment for heartworm in cats. So, if your cat does contract heartworm, it will most likely die.

There are several stages of heartworm. The lower the stage (1-2), the less likely health risks to the dog will be permanent. The higher the stage (3-4) the more permanent the damage is that occurs to major organs. If caught and treated at the lower stages, the dog should not have any lasting effects and can live a normal, happy life.

Treatment of heartworm consists of injecting medication into the dog and keeping the dog EXTREMELY quiet for the next 6 weeks. It often involves keeping the dog in a crate for the 6 week period, taking it out for bathroom breaks and eating only. Treatment for heartworms can run up to $700.00 or more.

The reason for the extreme quiet is that once the treatment has begun, the heartworms are killed and the body needs to re-absorb them, which usually takes 6 weeks. Any increase in blood-pressure (or activity) to the dog will make the heart have to work harder and the dead heartworms can actually cause a blockage, causing a stroke or death in the dog.

So, in the long run, prevention is much less costly than treatment. And prevention is easy with the chewable tablets, etc., that can be given monthly to both dogs and cats. Hope that answers your question!

And Maggie, the dog being treated through the generosity of our Channel 3 viewers, is doing GREAT! I get updates from her owners who say that it’s very tough keeping her quiet but that everyone (including Maggie) is cooperating! I’ll keep everyone posted as Maggie’s treatment continues.

Halloween Hazards

Dear Liz,

Every Halloween I hear the warning about giving chocolate to dogs. Is the warning a myth or fact? Can a little chocolate be ok for fido?

Signed, Coco

Dear Coco (or should I call you Punkin!): NO, NO, NO!!! Chocolate (or any caffeinated item) can be VERY dangerous to your dog OR cat! Anything with caffeine in it (tea, coffee, chocolate, etc) can even be deadly.

So, too, can be sugar-free gum or other sugar-free items. We have a dog at home now who got into the sugar-free gum my 8 year old daughter hid in her room. (Don’t ALL kids hide stuff in their rooms?) Anyway, Piggie got into the gum and we had to induce vomiting to get the gum OUT of her. Long, LONG night we had there!

So with Halloween just around the corner, PLEASE, PLEASE make sure your children give you ALL the candy and keep it up in a high place, inaccessible to your pets. Candy is for KIDS, not for PETS!

This reminds me, too, that while trick-or-treating is a lot of fun for kids, it’s not so much fun for your pets. Strange costumes, strange people, weird noises, doors constantly opening and closing, doorbells ringing, pumpkins lit with candles, etc., can all be extremely stress-inducing for the pets (not to mention a fire hazard!). Please, please, please keep pets inside, in separate rooms where they can be calm and away from potential hazards.

We all want to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Halloween. Let’s make it a safe one for everyone!! Keep your pets OUT of the spirit!

Cat Box Blues

Dear Liz:  We decided to ad another cat to our family of 3 already.  However, since we’ve had him, someone has been peeing outside the litter box.  What should we do?

Signed,

Grossed Out in Goshen

Dear Grossed Out:

You’ve heard the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup”?  Well, too many cats spoil the house!

Actually, what’s happening is that there is an upset in the feline balance and someone is complaining in a way to get noticed.

If you can pinpoint which cat is doing it, make sure there are no medical reasons why kitty is doing this.  If medical reasons are ruled out, it’s probably a behavioral thing.

First, put litter boxes on every floor of the house, including the basement.  The cats are trying to tell you that there are too many cats for the boxes you have.  The rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than you do cats.  For multiple cat households, though, this can be an issue!  Here a box, there a box, everywhere a box, box!

Then make sure the litter is the unscented kind and scoop it daily.  Cats can get very territorial and each one requires it’s own “personal space” in order to be happy.  Keeping the box clean helps the cats not get territorial over using it (or NOT using it!).

If things don’t improve or the situation starts getting violent, it may be time to take the new kitty back.

As with every situation that may result in someone being evicted, talk with your veterinarian to see if they have other solutions not mentioned here.

Bad Rescues

Dear Liz:  I adopted a dog from a local rescue and found out that she has heartworm.  We were told she tested negative for this before we got her.  What recourse do we have?

Signed, Heartbroken in Hebron

Dear Heartbroken:

Well, this is a tough one.  I’m not sure what recourse you’d have except to file complaints with the CT Department of Consumer Protection or the Better Business Bureau.  Taking the rescue to civil court is another alternative that should be done in conjunction with filing a complaint against them.  Just taking them to court won’t alert the State that this group is not reputable.  Unfortunately, for as many good rescues there are out there, there are just as many, if not more, bad rescues.

I know we took in a dog a while back that was supposed to be heartworm negative but when he was checked by my veterinarian, he was found to be positive.  Turns out they forgot to test him before we got him.  That’s a huge expense for any rescue to under-take, both financially and time wise.  Fortunately, we were able to make it through that nightmare.

I also know it’s too late for many people who are in your shoes, but for those thinking of adopting a pet through an animal rescue, I have a few tips.

First, check with the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Consumer Protection. Ask them if the shelter you’re thinking of working with has any complaints filed against them.  They are a business and complaints made against them will be kept on file.

Ask the organization if they’re a registered, non-profit group.  If they are, get their ID number and check it with the IRS.  All registered, non-profit groups are registered through the IRS (that’s how we become non-profit!).  This will not ensure they’re reputable, but it at least proves they made the effort to become non-profit.

Ask the organization what their return policy is.  If the pet is found to have pre-existing medical problems such as heartworm that have not been disclosed on the adoption papers, is the adoption fee refunded?  There are certain illnesses or conditions that may not have been detected or tested for prior to adoption, though.

All in all, it’s a gamble any time you get a pet.  Whether it’s from a breeder or from a rescue, there are things that can not be foreseen.  However, any reputable breeder or animal rescue should be willing to work with you, the adopter, when issues do come up such as in your case.  Simply telling you, “tough luck – you got what you paid for” is, at least in my opinion, an extremely poor way to conduct business and one that should be addressed with the proper authorities.

My best to you and I hope that things do turn out well for both your family and your new best friend.

Domestic Abuse And Pets

Dear Liz.  I am thinking of leaving an abusive relationship but I am afraid that if I leave my dog behind, my ex will harm him.  What can I do?

Signed, Trapped in Tolland.

Dear Trapped:

It has long been known that there is a connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty.  The abuser, in an effort to retain control over the victim, can sometimes use the family pet as leverage to keep the victim at home.  The abuser will threaten to harm the animal if the victim leaves so the victim, afraid that she will not be able to take the pet with her, may stay in an effort to keep that pet safe.  Approximately 50% of all abused women will not leave because they fear their abuser will harm or even kill their pet. Unfortunately this often does not solve anything and actually gives the abuser more confidence.

If you or someone you know is thinking about leaving an abusive relationship but are afraid for the fate of your pet, I’m going to offer a few suggestions that might help.

First, if it’s a critical situation and there is imminent danger to yourself, obviously you need to call the police and leave NOW.  If you feel it’s necessary, take your pet.  Call the police and get out.  I can not repeat that enough.  I’m sure that the animal control officer for your town can be asked to keep the pet until you are able to get it back, once you’re in a safe place.

If you are thinking of leaving and have time to plan ahead, contact your animal control officer and ask if they can help until you can relocate.  Ask friends or relatives if they can take the pet until you can get settled.  Try to make arrangements for your pets and take them with you when you do decide to leave.  There are also many shelters that would be willing to take in pets under these circumstances as well.  But planning ahead is critical.

On October 1st, 2007, Governor Rell put into effect a law that permits courts to issue protective orders for animals owned or kept by victims of family violence, stalking or harassment.  “The orders may, at a minimum, prohibit respondents or defendants from injuring or threatening to injure the animals.  In family violence cases, the order may be a civil restraining, or criminal protective, order.”

So which ever way you decide that you must leave, know that there is help out there and that the State does recognize that your pets deserve protection as well.  My best wishes to you and your dog.

Dog Flu

Dear Liz,

It seems like the word flu is in every headline I see or hear.   I’m going to get my flu shot, but is there anything I can do to keep Fido healthy?

Signed,

Fido with a Fever

Dear Fido;

Well, apparently the flu season is fast approaching and everyone’s scrambling for what vaccinations to give.  The H1N1 vs the “normal” flu seems to be the topic of conversation and debate.  Should one get ONE or both?  The debate continues…

In the doggie world, apparently there is a similar debate going on!  There is a “dog flu” that has been discovered in some states (not in CT as of yet) and veterinarians are debating as to whether or not a vaccination is needed.

The dog flu (only transmissible from dog to dog, by the way) has been making its way north for a bit but hasn’t reached here yet.  Symptoms pretty much mirror those of the human flu and can be spread from dog to dog in social situations.

Now I don’t know of any reported deaths from the flu but I’m sure there will be one or two at some point involving dogs with lowered or weakened immune systems.  From what I understand, it’s a basic flu and pretty much runs its course.

There is a vaccine available for this dog flu but unless your dog is in close contact with other dogs, I’m not so sure it’s necessary.  Let’s face it – We now have vaccinations for SO many different illnesses, I have to wonder if we’re over-doing it a bit.  Best bet, though, is to discuss it with your veterinarian and see what he or she recommends for your dog.

Barking Dogs

Dear Liz,

I know you’re a dog expert and not a marriage counselor, but my wife and I need your help.  We’re at odds about what to do over a neighbor’s dog who barks all the time… is left outside all the time, etc.  Its borderline abusive, but neither of us know how to handle and we end up arguing about it?

Signed,

No more puppy love!

Dear Puppy;

Well, hopefully I can at least shed some light on what to do!  You’re right with the abuse, but it’s not a borderline.

Connecticut General Statues says that a dog is not to be tied, tethered or kenneled 24/7.  It’s a new law that has come into play within the past few years and it’s a good one.  So in that instance, the dog is being abused (or better put, neglected).  You are right to be concerned on this one.

Now the dog is also barking all the time which is another issue you’ve brought up.  That, in itself, is also a violation of Connecticut General Statue.  It falls under the Nuisance Dog law, which states that a dog is not to be allowed to bark excessively.

It sounds like a call to your town’s animal control officer is needed, first to assess whether or not the dog is being neglected or in physical danger, and second to address the issue of the barking.  The animal control officer can take the appropriate action to ensure the problem is solved.  In most towns, you can place a call and say that you’d like to remain anonymous if you feel it would cause a problem with your neighbor.  Advise the police dispatcher or the animal control officer that you’d rather not have your neighbor know it was you that called and they should honor your wishes.

If your animal control officer does take action but the problem persists, you might have to call again until things are resolved.

Another way to deal with it, if you’re friendly with your neighbor, is to bring up the dog in casual conversation.  Ask the neighbor how the dog is, etc., and see how the neighbor reacts.  If it’s a negative reaction (as in “That dog is going to drive me crazy – it just barks and wrecks the house…”) see if you can offer to help place the dog or refer the owner for help.  It depends on how involved you really want to get with the situation.

In either case, involvement is obviously needed here.  The dog’s barking will not stop until someone brings attention to the issue and gets it solved.  Until this problem is resolved, no one (you, your wife, the neighborhood and the dog) will be happy.

Disaster Planning

Dear Liz,

The swirling graphics of hurricanes are on your weather maps more and more.   In case the big one hits CT, any advice for emergency pet planning?

Signed,

Toto

Dear Toto;  Yep, the hurricane season is upon us and it looks like Bill is making a b-line for us as well!  As with any potential disaster, being prepared is the best defense.  I’ve always recommended putting a disaster kit together – not only for yourself, but for your pets as well.

First, get a waterproof, Tupperwear type of container and with permanent marker, put “PET BOX” on it (or something like that).  Make sure it includes a jug of water, some dry food (or wet food but keep a can opener in there, too), bowls, cat litter and a cat pan (for cats), any medications your pet is on, a picture of your pet with it’s name, your name and your cell phone number on the back, a leash or pet carrier (mark the pet carrier with your name, address and cell phone number on it), veterinary records showing current vaccinations and anything else you think your pet might need. Use your cell phone number as you won’t have your home phone with you if you have to evacuate!  Make sure your pet has a collar on with a current Rabies tag attached to it.  Also, take permanent marker and write your cell number, including area code, on the actual collar. That way, if you do get separated, you can be assured someone will have your number to call.

Planning ahead for disasters is so vital to making sure you and your pets are safe.  Make sure you have a place to go that will accept pets.  Many shelters don’t.  And let someone know where you’re going.  Hotels that accept pets can be found on line – and make sure you pick a few in different directions.  That way, if a storm hits where you were planning on going, you have a “Plan B” in place.

Any way you cut it, being prepared for possible issues is the best way to keep everyone safe.

School Stress

Dear Liz,

When our son ended school in June with great grades… We got him a dog.  The two have played together non-stop – all summer.  I’m worried about what will happen when school starts and Smokey will be home alone.

Signed,

Home Alone

Dear Home Alone;

This is a question that comes around every August.  The first thing to remember is that your dog will be going through a huge change when everyone leaves for school.  This change in routine can really rattle your pooch so I’ve got a few tips to hopefully help out.

First, and this is according to Bark Busters, a dog training company, start to back off on the attention you’ve been giving your dog.  If you’ve been bringing him for car rides while you do your errands, etc., stop.  This will, according to them, help your dog wind down and not become so stressed when you leave.  The idea is to get your dog used to being alone more and being comfortable with it. Make sure to reward him when you get back and the house is still standing, though!  This will reinforce the fact that everything’s ok and he’s a great dog (for not tearing the house up in a hissy fit!).

And why not, while you’re shopping for the kids, get your dog a back to school treat!  A new toy, a new bed – something to show him that you still love him!  After all, he IS part of the family!

If your dog starts in with some separation anxiety, this is also normal.  He’s used to you being there all the time.  Start backing down on the attention a few weeks before school starts to get him used to is slowly.

Other suggestions I can think of is to start getting into a “school routine”.  Along with having the kids more ready, it helps your dog be more ready as well.  Start with getting the kids up on a regular schedule, as if it’s school time.  Start, too, getting the dog into his school routine.  Dogs love consistency.  They thrive on a routine and summer vacation can be a time where there is no consistent schedule.

Take him on a walk first thing in the morning and when the kids get home.  Everyone knows that exercise is a great way to burn off stress and this is true for the family dog as well.

Going back to school can be stressful for the kids and you as well.  The more stress you have, the more your dog will pick up on it and feel that something’s wrong.  This will eventually subside as things get back into a daily routine but for the first week or so it might be an issue.  But do know that this, too, shall pass!

DNA Testing

Dear Liz;

I just adopted a mixed breed puppy from a litter of puppies.  My question is this – How do I know what breeds my puppy is?  None of the puppies in the litter looked alike!

Signed,

Wondering in Woodstock

Dear Wondering;

Not to get into a biology lesson here but there can be multiple fathers in the same litter of puppies, which may account for the fact that they all look different.  Each will still have Mom’s breed (or mix of breeds) but each pup may have a different father.  If you really want to know what breeds are in your pup, though, there is a way to find out.

Your veterinarian probably has pamphlets from different organizations that can test the D.N.A. of your dog to see what breeds are in there.  Not sure how accurate it is, but I’m guessing it’s pretty good.  The cost is generally around 125.00 for the actual testing but not sure what the cost is to get the D.N.A.

So, say you get the test done but you notice that a breed you’re not so fond of is in your mix.  Well, maybe you got the eye color or the webbed feet or the curl in the tail instead of the personality traits that make you nervous.  Remember this – your puppy is a mixture of a lot of different dogs.  You picked your puppy because you fell in love with his or her personality – not his or her breed.  Enjoy your new best friend, what ever he is!